Director, Visual Merchandising

Kohler Co. • Kohler, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Visual Merchandising, Brand Experience & Stores is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the vision for immersive, differentiated, brand-defining experiences across Kohler Stores, Showrooms, retail partners, and physical environments that drive differentiated customer experiences, engagement and sales. This role leads innovation in visual merchandising excellence, packaging design, and store design elevate brand differentiation. Overseeing a multidisciplinary team of visual merchandisers, interior designers, and architects, the Director collaborates cross-functionally with design, marketing, sales, digital, product, and sales operation teams to ensure every retail space reflects Kohler brand standards and delivers business impact.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s in Visual Merchandising, Retail Design, Marketing, Industrial Design, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Leadership: 10+ years in visual merchandising, including 5+ in senior roles—ideally in multi-store, premium or luxury retail.
• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to develop and execute strategies that elevate brand perception, differentiate, and drive results using design systems and modular frameworks.
• Design Systems: Skilled in applying modular display frameworks and scalable systems to create cohesive, high-impact brand experiences.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong strategic and analytical skills; able to turn insights into actionable merchandising strategy & plans. Systems/design thinking essential.
• Project Management: Successful track record leading multiple complex, cross-functional projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Retail Insight: Deep understanding of retail operations, store design, and consumer behavior with passion for immersive experiences. Ability to identify, adapt, and innovate Kohler visual merchandising experiences to evolving market trends and customer expectations.
• Aesthetic Excellence: Refined eye for design, color, texture, proportion, and detail aligned with premium brand standards.
• Collaborative Leadership: Exceptional communicator, collaborator, and relationship builder across internal cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Agile, forward-thinking leader passionate about evolving brand experiences to meet changing market demands.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Develop and lead a channel-specific visual merchandising and brand experience strategy aligned with enterprise goals, brand identity, and marketing priorities.
• Drive innovation in store design, merchandising, and customer engagement to deliver elevated, memorable brand experiences.
• Monitor trends, competitors, technologies, and consumer insights to identify and integrate opportunities for brand differentiation.
• Apply and evolve Brand Experience principles and value systems across all environments and display formats.
• Champion a consumer-first approach, ensuring all design and merchandising decisions enhance engagement, conversion, and loyalty.
• Define and track KPIs to measure visual merchandising’s impact on customer experience, brand equity, and business results.
• Omni-Channel Brand Experience
• Drive innovation in retail design, merchandising, and in-store experiences to keep Kohler at the forefront of consumer-centric retail.
• Design modular, scalable brand experiences across Kohler-owned and partner environments.
• Oversee a unified Visual Experience Design System to ensure brand consistency and differentiation.
• Lead packaging design and optimize merchandising using performance data.
• Align physical and digital experiences through integrated design systems and packaging innovation.
• Visual Experience & Store Environment Design
• Oversee concept, design, and execution of all visual merchandising to brand standards, including windows, in-store displays, fixtures, props, and signage.
• Ensure consistent brand aesthetic, messaging, and differentiation across Kohler Stores, Showrooms, and retail partners.
• Develop and manage seasonal merchandising calendars to support timely execution of campaigns, launches, and promotions.
• Lead store design vision and collaborate on new openings, remodels, and fixture development to enhance visual appeal and customer flow.
• Implement and refine product storytelling through displays that highlight features, benefits, and lifestyle relevance within Design Systems.
• Brand Experience & Customer Journey
• Champion the in-store brand experience, ensuring every touchpoint reflects brand values, personality, and promise.
• Develop & implement strategies to enhance the customer journey, including layout, lighting, music, scent, and interactivity.
• Collaborate with marketing and digital teams to integrate online and offline brand experiences.
• Use customer feedback & sales data to refine and optimize the in-store experience.
• Train store teams on brand storytelling and visual merchandising to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Retail Operations & Execution
• Partner with Channel Operations to ensure visual merchandising directives are scalable, executable, and format-appropriate for all size stores & formats.
• Provide clear, channel-specific merchandising guidelines and training for consistent execution.
• Conduct store visits to assess visual merchandising execution, offer feedback, and identify improvements. Support new store openings / events with on-site leadership.
• Manage and optimize budgets for prototypes and merchandising, balancing cost and brand quality.
• Build relationships with retail partners (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s) to drive in-store innovation and brand differentiation.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of visual merchandisers, interior designers, and retail architects.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Set clear expectations, provide consistent feedback, and empower team ownership.
• Support new store openings and special events with on-site leadership.

Benefits

• We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.
• We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees